Placement Stability: Enhancing Quality of Life for Children with Developmental Disabilities

Quality of life for children with developmental disabilities (DD) has recently received increasing attention. This qualitative study examines quality of life for children with DD in care based on the perspectives of a small group of foster, adoptive and kinship caregivers. Placement stability is identified as a contributing factor to quality of life by using grounded theory methodology. Respondents expressed the importance of meeting the child's needs; provision of a family environment; and supporting the parents to support the child. The implications for child welfare practice are briefly discussed.